Drains, wetlands and creeks provide places for our native wildlife to thrive and are important parts of the drainage network. Creeks and waterways help to reduce the velocity of stormwater flows by capturing and then gradually releasing water, to reduce the risk of flooding.
Melbourne Water undertakes routine inspections at many sites across Greater Melbourne, including drains, local creeks, waterways and retarding basins. To maintain these assets, and to ensure they continue to provide appropriate drainage for the local area, there are times that routine desilting works may be required.
What is desilting?
Desilting is when we remove the built-up silt and sediment that has accumulated at the bottom of a drain or creek.
For more information on desilting stormwater wetlands please visit Desilting stormwater wetlands.
Why do we do these works?
These works will ensure the drain or waterway can continue to operate as it should and allow water to drain appropriately through the drainage network. Completing desilt works helps to reduce the risk of flooding and protects our creeks and waterways.
How do we deliver desilting works?
Machinery is often used to excavate the accumulated sediment, and then the sediment is temporarily stockpiled onsite to allow it to naturally dry out. There may be a slight odour while sediment naturally dries, however this process is not harmful in any way. The drying process can take up to 8 to 10 weeks, and is dependent on weather conditions. The dried sediment stockpile is later removed by trucks after it has dried out.
How long do these works take?
This length of time to complete desilting is dependent on the size of the area being desilted and the volume of silt or sediment that is required to be removed. This can sometimes we be completed in stages, and can range from a few days to complete to a few weeks.
For full completion of the works it is likely to take up to three months as the drying process of the sediment and silt can take up to 8 to 10 weeks, and is dependent on weather conditions.
Acknowledgement
Melbourne Water acknowledges the Bunurong people as the Traditional Owners of this land.
Keeping you informed
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